UK ETA 2026: Complete Guide for Austrian, Swiss, Belgian & Dutch Citizens
Expert Review — Martin Cage
This article has been reviewed and verified by Martin Cage, a Senior Immigration Specialist with extensive experience at the UK Home Office, specialising in visa and travel authorisation policy. Martin has advised thousands of travellers on ETA compliance since the scheme’s launch in 2023.
Citizens of Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands must hold a valid UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the United Kingdom. The current fee is £20 per person (effective 8 April 2026). The ETA is valid for 2 years, permits unlimited entries, and allows stays of up to 6 months per visit. Apply exclusively at application-eta.uk.
Which Nationals Are Affected — and Since When?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme was introduced in phases. After its initial launch in November 2023 for Gulf Cooperation Council nationals, it was extended progressively. The most significant expansion came on 9 April 2025, when the scheme was opened to European nationals — including citizens of Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands — making the ETA mandatory for their travel to the UK.
This requirement applies to leisure trips, business visits, short-term courses, and transit journeys through the UK where the traveller intends to pass through Border Force. It does not apply to those who hold a UK visa, a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), or indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK.
The ETA became mandatory for European nationals on 9 April 2025. Anyone who applied before 8 April 2026 paid £16. All applications from 8 April 2026 onwards are charged at the new rate of £20. The ETA is non-refundable regardless of outcome.
Austria
ETA RequiredEU member state. Must use biometric passport. National ID cards not accepted.
Switzerland
ETA RequiredNon-EU but included in ETA scheme. Both Swiss passport and Swiss national must comply.
Belgium
ETA RequiredEU member state. Dual Irish citizens exempt if travelling on Irish passport only.
Netherlands
ETA RequiredEU member state. Covers citizens of all Dutch territories including Caribbean special municipalities.
Country-by-Country Details
Austria — UK ETA Requirements 2026
Austrian citizens are among the most frequent visitors to the UK from the German-speaking world, with strong travel links through London Heathrow, Vienna International Airport direct routes, and Eurostar connections via Brussels. Since 9 April 2025, every Austrian passport holder must obtain a UK ETA before departure.
Austrian-specific points to know:
- Austria issues both a standard biometric passport (Reisepass) and a national identity card (Personalausweis). Only the biometric passport is accepted for travel to the UK — the identity card is not valid and will result in denial of boarding.
- Austrian dual nationals (e.g. Austrian-British) holding a valid UK passport do not need an ETA when travelling on their British passport. They are however strongly advised to carry their British passport when entering the UK.
- Austrian students enrolled at UK universities who hold a valid Student visa are exempt from the ETA requirement for the duration of their visa.
- Austrian nationals participating in the UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme hold a visa and are therefore exempt from ETA requirements.
- Austria does not participate in the Common Travel Area (CTA), so there is no exemption route for Austrian nationals equivalent to that enjoyed by Irish citizens.
Austria’s strong cultural ties to the UK — particularly around arts, music, business and education — make London one of the top international destinations for Austrian citizens. The ETA allows multiple entries over two years, making it well suited for those who travel to the UK regularly.
Switzerland — UK ETA Requirements 2026
Switzerland occupies a unique position in the ETA scheme. As a non-EU, non-EEA country, Switzerland has historically operated under bilateral agreements with the European Union. However, for UK travel purposes, Swiss nationals are treated in the same category as EU nationals and are fully subject to the ETA requirement.
Swiss-specific points to know:
- Switzerland issues passports in three official languages (German, French, Italian) and one semi-official language (Romansh). The language on the passport does not affect ETA eligibility — all Swiss biometric passports are valid for ETA applications.
- Switzerland also issues a national identity card (Identitätskarte / Carte d’identité / Carta d’identità). This is not accepted for entry to the UK under any circumstances.
- Swiss nationals with a Frontier Worker Permit (FWP) issued by the UK are exempt from the ETA when using that permit for authorised work purposes, but must hold an ETA for personal travel.
- Swiss Confederation employees on official diplomatic travel should confirm their status with the UK Visa and Immigration service, as diplomatic privileges may apply.
- Switzerland’s strong financial, pharmaceutical and diplomatic links with the UK mean that Swiss nationals represent a significant volume of regular business travellers to London and Edinburgh. The 2-year ETA validity is designed to accommodate exactly this pattern of travel.
- Swiss citizens do not benefit from the Common Travel Area and have no exemption route equivalent to Irish nationals.
Martin Cage notes: “Swiss nationals often contact us having assumed that Switzerland’s unique status outside the EU somehow exempts them from the ETA. It does not. All Swiss passport holders are firmly within scope of the scheme and must apply before boarding any carrier to the UK.”
Belgium — UK ETA Requirements 2026
Belgium is geographically one of the closest EU member states to the UK and has extremely high travel volumes through Eurostar, Brussels Airlines direct routes, and the Channel ports via Calais and Dunkirk. Belgian nationals have been subject to the ETA requirement since 9 April 2025.
Belgian-specific points to know:
- Belgium has a significant Belgian-Irish community. Belgian nationals who also hold Irish citizenship are exempt from the ETA when travelling on their Irish passport, under the Common Travel Area agreement. Travelling on a Belgian passport requires a valid ETA — even for dual nationals.
- Belgium’s three official language communities issue separate identity documents, but all Belgian biometric passports (regardless of the regional language) are equivalent for ETA purposes.
- The Belgian eID (electronic identity card) is not accepted for UK entry despite being widely used within the EU. Belgian travellers who have previously used their eID for cross-Channel travel must now apply for an ETA and travel on their biometric passport.
- Eurostar passengers departing from Brussels-Midi or Liège-Guillemins for London St Pancras are subject to UK border checks at the Belgian departure station. You must have a valid ETA — without one, Eurostar staff will deny boarding before departure.
- Belgian nationals who are UK-settled (holding Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme) do not need an ETA. They should carry their proof of status alongside their passport.
- Belgian cross-border workers who hold a Frontier Worker Permit are exempt from the ETA for work-related travel only.
Netherlands — UK ETA Requirements 2026
The Netherlands has one of the highest volumes of air traffic to the UK of any EU member state, with Amsterdam Schiphol being one of the busiest origin airports for UK-bound passengers in Europe. Dutch citizens have been subject to the UK ETA requirement since 9 April 2025.
Dutch-specific points to know:
- Dutch nationals holding a Dutch biometric passport (paspoort) must obtain a UK ETA. Dutch national identity cards (identiteitskaart) are not accepted for entry to the UK.
- The Netherlands includes Caribbean special municipalities: Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (the BES Islands). Nationals of these territories holding Dutch passports are subject to the same ETA requirement as mainland Dutch citizens.
- The constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands — Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten — issue their own passports. These are also Netherlands-issued documents and their holders are required to obtain a UK ETA before travel.
- Dutch nationals with Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme do not need an ETA. They should carry proof of their status.
- The Netherlands has a large Surinamese-Dutch and Indonesian-Dutch community. Individuals in this group holding dual nationality should check their specific passport — the ETA requirement is determined by which passport they present at the UK border.
- Dutch frontier workers holding a valid UK Frontier Worker Permit are exempt from the ETA for work journeys, but require an ETA for personal visits.
Given the high frequency of Dutch travel to the UK — for tourism, business, education and weekend city breaks — the 2-year multi-entry ETA offers excellent value for regular travellers.
Passports vs. National Identity Cards — A Critical Distinction
This is one of the most common sources of confusion for European travellers, and one that can result in denial of boarding at the airport or Eurostar terminal. Since 1 October 2021, the UK no longer accepts EU and EEA national identity cards as valid travel documents for entry.
| Document | Austria | Switzerland | Belgium | Netherlands |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biometric passport | ✓ Accepted | ✓ Accepted | ✓ Accepted | ✓ Accepted |
| National identity card | ✗ Not accepted | ✗ Not accepted | ✗ Not accepted | ✗ Not accepted |
| Emergency travel document | ✗ Not accepted | ✗ Not accepted | ✗ Not accepted | ✗ Not accepted |
| Diplomatic passport | ✓ Check status | ✓ Check status | ✓ Check status | ✓ Check status |
Your UK ETA is electronically linked to your specific passport number. If you renew your passport after obtaining an ETA, your old ETA becomes invalid. You must apply for a new ETA linked to your new passport number before travelling. Always check that the passport number on your ETA matches the passport you intend to carry.
What the UK ETA Covers
The ETA is a pre-travel electronic authorisation. It is not a visa, does not stamp your passport, and does not appear as a physical document. It is stored digitally in the UK Border Force system and linked to your passport number.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee (from 8 April 2026) | £20 per person, non-refundable |
| Validity | 2 years from date of issue, or until passport expiry — whichever comes first |
| Entries | Unlimited entries during the validity period |
| Maximum stay per visit | Up to 6 months (180 days) |
| Purposes permitted | Tourism, family visits, business meetings, short-term study (up to 6 months) |
| Purposes not permitted | Working in the UK, studying for more than 6 months, accessing public funds |
| Processing | Digital only — no embassy visit, no printed visa, no physical document |
| Typical decision time | Usually within minutes; up to 72 hours in some cases |
| Covers | England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland + Crown Dependencies (from 23 April 2026) |
Having a valid UK ETA does not guarantee entry to the United Kingdom. UK Border Force retains the right to refuse admission at the port of entry based on any information available at the time. The ETA is an authorisation to travel — the final decision rests with the Border Force officer at the point of entry.
Crown Dependencies Update: Jersey, Guernsey & the Isle of Man
As of 23 April 2026, the UK ETA scheme has been extended to cover direct travel to the Crown Dependencies: Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. This is a significant development for European travellers, particularly those visiting the Channel Islands for tourism, business or second-home purposes.
For Austrian, Swiss, Belgian and Dutch citizens, this means:
- A valid UK ETA is required for direct flights or ferry crossings to Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man from outside the UK.
- If you are transiting through the UK mainland (e.g. flying London Heathrow then connecting to Jersey), your existing UK ETA covers the onward domestic leg.
- The Channel Islands are particularly popular with Belgian, Dutch and Swiss visitors for their coastal landscapes, walking, and financial services sectors. Jersey Finance and Guernsey Finance host significant numbers of European business travellers annually.
- Travellers arriving by cross-Channel ferry from France to the Channel Islands must hold a valid ETA as they are not transiting through the UK mainland.
A single UK ETA covers all of the following: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. You do not need separate authorisations for each destination.
The £20 Fee — and What It Means for Families
Since 8 April 2026, the UK ETA costs £20 per person. This represents a 25% increase from the previous £16 fee, and a full 100% increase from the original £10 fee at scheme launch in October 2023. The Home Office has indicated that the fee is used to fund digital border infrastructure and immigration enforcement capacity.
| Group Size | Total ETA Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | £20 | Solo traveller |
| 2 people | £40 | Couple or 2 adults |
| 3 people | £60 | Family of 3 — each person needs own ETA |
| 4 people | £80 | Family of 4 (including children and infants) |
| 5 people | £100 | Group of 5 |
| School group (30 students) | £600 | Every participant needs an individual ETA |
Every traveller — including infants and children of all ages — requires their own individual UK ETA. There is no family ETA. Each ETA must be linked to the child’s own passport. Travelling with a child who does not have a valid ETA may result in the child being denied boarding.
How to Apply for Your UK ETA — Step by Step
Applying for your UK ETA through application-eta.uk takes approximately 10 minutes. Our expert team reviews every application before submission to the Home Office, significantly reducing the risk of errors, delays or refusals.
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Visit application-eta.uk and select your plan Choose between our Regular (48–72 hours), Priority (~24 hours) or Dedicated Agent (1–6 hours) service depending on your departure date. All plans include the £20 government fee.
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Enter your passport details You will need your biometric passport number, full legal name exactly as it appears on the passport, date of birth and nationality. Austrian, Swiss, Belgian and Dutch applicants should ensure they use the name as shown on their biometric passport — not on their identity card or driver’s licence.
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Upload your photograph A recent selfie-style photo is required. Our team provides expert photo review to ensure it meets the strict Home Office specifications — correct lighting, no glasses, neutral expression, plain background. Photo rejection is one of the most common causes of ETA delays.
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Answer the eligibility questions You will be asked 8 yes/no questions about your background, criminal history and immigration record. Answer honestly and accurately. If you have any concerns about previous refusals or convictions, our Dedicated Agent plan includes personal case review.
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Review and pay Our team conducts a final check of all submitted information before submitting to the Home Office. Payment is accepted in Euros for your convenience.
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Receive your ETA by email Your approved ETA is sent to your registered email address. Please also check your spam/junk folder. There is no physical document — the ETA is electronically linked to your passport. Show your passport at the border as normal.
The Home Office recommends applying at least 72 hours before your trip. Most applications are approved within minutes, but some require additional checks. Do not leave your ETA application to the day of travel — carriers are legally required to deny boarding to passengers without a valid ETA.
Common Mistakes Made by Austrian, Swiss, Belgian & Dutch Applicants
Based on our extensive experience processing UK ETA applications for European nationals, the following errors are the most frequently encountered — and the most easily avoided:
| Mistake | Who It Affects Most | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Applying with identity card details instead of passport | Belgian, Dutch, Austrian applicants | Always use your biometric passport number — never your eID or Personalausweis number |
| Name entered differently from passport MRZ | All nationalities, especially compound names | Match your name exactly to the Machine Readable Zone (bottom two lines) on your passport photo page |
| Assuming ETA is not required (pre-Brexit habits) | All four nationalities | The ETA has been mandatory for European nationals since 9 April 2025 — this has not changed |
| Travelling on an expired or soon-to-expire passport | All nationalities | Your passport must be valid for the duration of your trip. Your ETA expires when your passport expires |
| Using Swiss ID card for UK travel | Swiss nationals | The Swiss Identitätskarte is not accepted by the UK under any circumstances — biometric passport required |
| Belgian dual Irish national travelling on Belgian passport | Belgian-Irish dual nationals | To avoid the ETA, you must enter the UK on your Irish passport — your Belgian passport requires a valid ETA |
| Failing to apply for a new ETA after passport renewal | All nationalities | Your ETA is linked to a specific passport number. Renew your ETA immediately when you renew your passport |
| Applying too close to departure date | All nationalities, especially urgent travel | Apply at least 72 hours before departure; use our Priority or Dedicated Agent plans for urgent travel |
Apply for Your UK ETA Today — application-eta.uk
Valid 2 years · Unlimited entries · Up to 6 months per stay · Expert review included
£20 government fee included · Payment accepted in Euros · Austrian, Swiss, Belgian & Dutch applicants welcome
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions are the most commonly asked by Austrian, Swiss, Belgian and Dutch nationals planning to travel to the UK in 2026. All answers have been reviewed by immigration specialist Martin Cage.
Do Austrian citizens need a UK ETA in 2026?
Yes. Austrian citizens holding a valid Austrian biometric passport must obtain a UK ETA before travelling to the United Kingdom. The ETA costs £20, is valid for 2 years, and allows multiple entries for stays of up to 6 months each. Austrian nationals holding a Biometric Residence Permit, a UK visa, or Settled Status are exempt from the ETA requirement for the duration of that permission.
Do Swiss citizens need a UK ETA even though Switzerland is not in the EU?
Yes. Despite Switzerland not being an EU member state, Swiss nationals are included in the UK ETA scheme. Switzerland’s status as a non-EU country does not exempt its citizens from the requirement. All Swiss biometric passport holders must apply for a UK ETA at £20 per person before travelling to the United Kingdom.
Can Belgian nationals with dual Irish citizenship avoid the UK ETA?
Yes — but only when travelling on their Irish passport. Irish citizens are exempt from the UK ETA requirement under the Common Travel Area agreement. A Belgian national who also holds Irish citizenship can travel to the UK without an ETA, provided they present their Irish passport at the border. If they travel on their Belgian passport, a valid ETA is required regardless of their secondary Irish citizenship.
Can I use my Dutch, Belgian or Austrian identity card to travel to the UK?
No. National identity cards — including the Dutch identiteitskaart, the Belgian eID, and the Austrian Personalausweis — are not accepted for entry to the United Kingdom. Since 1 October 2021, only biometric passports are valid for UK travel. If you attempt to board without a valid passport, you will be denied carriage by the airline or Eurostar operator.
How much does the UK ETA cost for Austrian, Swiss, Belgian and Dutch citizens?
The UK ETA costs £20 per person as of 8 April 2026. This fee applies equally to all nationalities covered by the ETA scheme, including Austrian, Swiss, Belgian and Dutch passport holders. The fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome. A family of four travelling together would pay £80 in total government fees.
Does the UK ETA cover the Channel Islands and Isle of Man?
Yes. From 23 April 2026, the UK ETA is required for direct travel to Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. A single ETA covers all of these Crown Dependencies as well as England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Travellers arriving directly from abroad (including Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria or Switzerland) to the Channel Islands must hold a valid ETA.
How long does it take to get a UK ETA approved?
Most UK ETA applications are decided within minutes. However, the UK Home Office advises allowing at least 72 hours before travel for any additional security checks that may be required. Applications submitted through application-eta.uk include expert document review before submission, which significantly reduces the likelihood of delays caused by errors or incomplete information.
I renewed my passport. Do I need a new UK ETA?
Yes. Your UK ETA is electronically linked to a specific passport number. When you renew your passport and receive a new passport number, your old ETA becomes invalid. You must apply for a new ETA linked to your new passport number before your next trip to the UK, even if your old ETA has not yet expired.
What happens if I arrive in the UK without an ETA?
Airlines, Eurostar and ferry operators are legally required to check ETA compliance before allowing you to board. If you do not have a valid ETA, you will be denied boarding and will not be able to travel until a valid ETA is obtained. You will typically be responsible for any costs incurred as a result, including alternative travel arrangements. In rare cases where a passenger arrives at the UK border without an ETA, Border Force may refuse entry.
Can I work in the UK on an ETA?
No. The UK ETA does not permit you to work in the United Kingdom. It is designed for tourism, family visits, business meetings (as a visitor, not an employee), and short-term study of up to 6 months. If you intend to take up employment or other paid work in the UK, you must apply for the appropriate work visa before travelling. Attempting to work on an ETA constitutes a breach of UK immigration law.
Is the UK ETA the same as a Schengen visa?
No, they are entirely separate. The UK ETA covers only the United Kingdom (including England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and from 23 April 2026, the Crown Dependencies). The Schengen visa covers travel within the Schengen Area, which includes most EU countries plus several associated states. The UK left the Schengen Area upon Brexit and the two systems operate completely independently of each other.
Sources & References: UK Home Office Immigration Rules · Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme official documentation · UK Visas and Immigration published guidance · Home Office fee regulations effective 8 April 2026 · UK Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act · Common Travel Area statutory framework · Crown Dependencies Travel Authorisation extension 23 April 2026 · Expert review by Martin Cage, Senior Immigration Specialist.
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